Building Mental Health Support in Schools

by Jon Scaccia December 12, 2024

In today’s classrooms, nearly half of the students struggle with anxiety, depression, or other behavioral health challenges. Teachers and school staff see the signs every day—withdrawn students, disruptive behaviors, or those simply too overwhelmed to focus. But when schools look to address these issues, they often hit a wall: not enough counselors, social workers, or psychologists to meet the demand.

In a groundbreaking move, a suburban Ohio school district is tackling this challenge head-on with a creative solution. Partnering with The Ohio State University, the district launched a “grow your own” program, training 25 current teachers and staff to become licensed school social workers. This program not only addresses critical workforce shortages but also equips schools to better support students’ mental health and well-being.

The Mental Health Crisis in Schools

Mental health struggles among children have skyrocketed. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of anxiety and depression in adolescents were already rising. Post-pandemic, the situation has worsened. Emergency room visits for suicidal thoughts and self-harm have surged, leaving schools as frontline responders to this growing crisis.

Yet, most schools are ill-equipped. National guidelines recommend one social worker per 250 students, but most districts fall far short of this benchmark. In the Ohio district leading this initiative, the ratio was a staggering 1:888. This gap leaves students vulnerable, teachers overwhelmed, and families without critical support.

The “Grow Your Own” Solution

Faced with these challenges, the district didn’t wait for help to arrive. Instead, they created a homegrown solution, funded by COVID-19 relief dollars. The concept was simple but powerful: recruit teachers and staff already working in schools—people who know the students and community—and provide the training they need to transition into school social work roles.

Participants, affectionately called the “cadre,” receive full tuition for a two-year Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from THE Ohio State University. By Fall 2025, these 25 individuals will take on roles as licensed school social workers, providing desperately needed mental health services across the district.

Why It Works: Local Knowledge Meets Professional Expertise

This innovative approach has distinct advantages:

1. Familiar Faces: Teachers and staff already have strong connections with students and families, making them uniquely qualified to provide support.
2. Tailored Training: The MSW program is designed with a focus on school social work, blending classroom learning with practical experience in schools.
3. Sustainable Pipeline: By investing in current staff, the district builds a long-term workforce solution rather than relying on outside hires who may not stay.

Early Successes and Lessons Learned

After just one year, the program has retained all 25 participants—a remarkable achievement compared to other workforce initiatives. Preliminary findings highlight several key factors contributing to this success:

• Hands-On Learning: Practicum experiences in real-world settings allowed cadre members to develop critical skills, from crisis intervention to small group counseling.
• Supportive Community: Cadre members built camaraderie and learned from each other, creating a network of mutual support.
• Tailored Instruction: Classes emphasized cultural competence, trauma-informed care, and practical strategies for school-based mental health.

However, challenges remain. Participants noted the intensity of balancing work, school, and personal lives. They also highlighted the need for updated course content and better communication about program requirements.

Real-World Impacts for Students

For students, this program is already making a difference. Teachers in training are learning to conduct individual counseling sessions, facilitate small group interventions, and provide crisis support. These services are life-changing for students struggling silently with mental health issues.

Take “Emily,” a middle schooler who began skipping classes and falling behind. Her school now has a cadre member on-site, trained to recognize the signs of depression and offer tailored support. With consistent counseling, Emily is back in class and thriving academically.

A Model for the Future

As other districts grapple with similar challenges, this Ohio initiative serves as a beacon of hope. The “grow your own” approach is scalable, cost-effective, and deeply impactful. By leveraging local talent and investing in professional development, schools can address workforce shortages while building a brighter future for students.

Join the Conversation

How do you think schools can best support students’ mental health with limited resources? Could a “grow your own” program work in your community?

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